what obama is not prepared to do is topple assad militarily. while the united states will continue to provide covert aid to the rebels, the goal is to strengthen their negotiations and an eventual peace conference in geneva, not military victory. then he goes on to say, but let's be honest, this is basically a formula for stalemate in syria with a continued carnage and not growth there. did mr. ignatius adequately describe the obama administration's strategy? >> senator, we do not think there is a military solution to the conflict in syria. >> do you believe that if bashar al-assad has the military vantage on the ground that there is a solution? >> i don't think bashar al-assad can win militarily either. >> do you believe he has the advantage on the ground now? >> only in a few places like up around aleppo. he has a disadvantage on the ground in the east and the south and other places. >> is killing remained unchecked, ambassador ford. come on, it seems that is a satisfactory outcome to you. the fact is, he was about to be toppled over a year a